Access Keys:
Skip to content (Access Key - 0)

Automatic Updates and Patching Landing

For more information on securing your data, see Information Protection @ MIT.

On this page:

Overview

An important way to protect your devices is to keep them up to date. Automatic-updates allow your devices to update as soon as new software patches are avilable - and they're not just for operating systems. Anti-virus software, business applications (Office) and more are important to keep up to date so you have the latest versions with the most current security fixes. To stay informed about the latest IT news and security threats, consider joining the IT Partners and the Security FYI lists.

How to

Mac OS

Windows

Linux/Unix

Mobile

  • Most mobile devices will prompt you to take security updates as soon as they are available. Doing so promptly protects you from known exploits.

Software

Many software packages offer automatic updates for security, bug fixes and feature additions. Check the vendor documentation on installation to learn how to turn on automatic updates. Here are some examples of software that has automatic-update options.

Servers

It's especially important to be aware of exploits that could compromise servers. If you can't take automatic updates because you need to plan for downtime, join security and patch release email lists for your operating system and software to stay aware of updates. That ensures you know about exploits and the necessary patches to protect your systems.

Have Questions or Still Need Help?

IS&T Contributions

Documentation and information provided by IS&T staff members


Last Modified:

June 21, 2021

Get Help

Request help
from the Help Desk
Report a security incident
to the Security Team
Labels:
infoprotect infoprotect Delete
Enter labels to add to this page:
Please wait 
Looking for a label? Just start typing.
Feedback
This product/service is:
Easy to use
Average
Difficult to use

This article is:
Helpful
Inaccurate
Obsolete
Adaptavist Theme Builder (4.2.3) Powered by Atlassian Confluence 3.5.13, the Enterprise Wiki